Be anxious for nothing
Wrote Saint Paul from the jail
Give God every worry each fear and detail
Remember to thank Him and praise from your heart
For He has been watching our life from the start
And He answers with peace greater than we can know
His love gives us rest
In Christ Jesus we hope
So if you are passing through sorrows and tests
Put it all in His hands
Only God knows what's best!
Anxious for nothing by Peter Caligiuri copyright 2021
All rights reserved
For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 KJV
It is interesting that Saint Patrick’s Day is in the middle of Lent, because he shows us that we need both the joy of salvation and the courage of faith to fully live for Christ. It is well known that Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, but did you know that Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland was actually from either England or Scotland? In fact, young Patrick’s first trip to Ireland happened when he was kidnapped by a raiding party and sold as a house slave in Ireland. Patrick soon escaped his masters and was directed by a dream to a ship that just happened to be ready to sail for England. Eventually Patrick made it safely back home, but strangely enough, he soon found, God stirring his heart about the needs of the Irish people. Though Patrick struggled over the decision for months, but He finally decided that it would be better to die doing what God had called him to, than to live a safe and empty life. Saint Patrick went on to bravely bring the message of Jesus to Ireland, even converting its pagan king to Christianity. Yes, he lived an amazing life, but I believe that God has a special purpose for every one of us as well and in this season of Lent what better thing could we do than to live fully just as Patrick did for the love of Jesus Christ?
I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me; God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me afar and near, alone or in a multitude.” Saint Patrick
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. Mark 9:2 NIV
One of my favorite hymns begins with the words, “I come to the garden alone.” Those ring in my memory as I take my morning walks or as I sit in my chair with the Bible and a cup of coffee. Often when we read this verse, we think of going up a high mountain, as if to get a better view on life, or about the sight of the clothing of Jesus beginning to shine. But what really gives either one of these facts a deeper meaning is that Jesus first asked for Peter, James and John to be alone with Him.
That makes me wonder when the last time was that my heart was quiet enough to hear the voice of Jesus calling me in the garden or any where else. God does not always lead us up high mountains. There are just as many times when His path leads through the valley of the shadow of death and the garden of Gethsemane to pray. We must be careful to listen.
What matters is not just being alone – but being alone with Jesus. Even if you began today running so fast you failed to hear His voice, He still gives us an invitation to come alone with Him. Whether sitting in a garden, climbing a mountain or carrying a cross, if we will walk with Him and talk with Him, He will share a joy none that other has known. Listen! He wants to be alone with you!
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